Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Trump Administration Plans to Terminate NASA Climate Missions
The government wants to stop two NASA projects that watch how much carbon dioxide is in the air and how healthy plants are.
These projects use special tools to help scientists understand climate change.
The projects have made important discoveries, like how the Amazon rainforest is changing.
The government wants to stop funding these projects, but scientists think this is a bad idea.
Congress is now deciding if they should continue funding.
The Trump administration plans to end NASA missions monitoring carbon emissions and plant health.
The budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 lacks funding for the Orbiting Carbon Observatories program.
Scientists are concerned, highlighting the missions' role in climate research, including discoveries about the Amazon rainforest.
Congress is considering the budget; a House bill supports the cuts, while a Senate version seeks to preserve the missions.
Scientists and others are exploring alternative funding options, including international partnerships and private donors.
- Who
- The Trump administration, NASA, climate scientists, and members of Congress are involved.
- What
- The Trump administration seeks to end two NASA missions monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and plant health.
- When
- The missions are funded through September 30, with the future dependent on budget decisions.
- Where
- The missions involve satellites and instruments, including one on the International Space Station.
- Why
- The administration aims to align with its budget priorities.
Pro-Mission
Anti-Mission
Mission Importance
Pro-Mission
The missions are crucial for climate change research and data collection.
Anti-Mission
The missions are beyond their primary mission and don't align with the President's agenda.
Budget Priorities
Pro-Mission
Congress should preserve funding to continue the missions.
Anti-Mission
The administration's budget proposes ending the missions.
- Mission Type
- Carbon Dioxide and Plant Health Monitoring
- Funding Status
- Funded until September 30, 2025
- Key Discovery
- Amazon rainforest emits more CO2 than it absorbs.
- Congressional Stance
- House bill aligns with termination; Senate version preserves missions.
- Scientists' Actions
- Seeking international partnerships and alternative funding
